Seat adjusting mechanism



Oct. 15, 1957 A D, BRUNDAGE 2,809,688

SEAT ADJUSTING MECHANSM Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 2l, 1953 A. D.Emuhnzmrsi- 2,809,688

SEAT ADJUSTING MECHANISM Oct. 15, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ununullnun uumlIIIIIIII- mmm- 26 IN1/ENTE? uw .Bea/VDA @E Oct. 15, 1957 A. D. BRUNDAGESEAT ADJUSTING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 21, 1953lllllllllllvillllllllr Oct. 15, 1957 A. D. BRUNDAGE SEAT ADJUSTINGMECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 21, 1953 2,899,588 Patented Oct.i5, 1957 til-ice United States Patent SEAT ADJUSTING MECHANISM Alan D.Brundage, Birmingham, Mich., assignoi to Houdaille Industries, Inc., acorporation of Michigan Application July 21, 1953, Serial No. 369,423

18 Claims. (Cl. 155-14) This invention relates generally to a poweroperated mechanism for adjustably positioning a movable seat in anautomotive vehicle, and more particularly relates to an improvedactuating mechanism wherein a source of power supply such as an electricmotor may be selectively operated to move a seat frame for adjustmentupwardly and downwardly as well as forwardly and rearwardly, controlmeans being provided to operatively idle the driving connections betweenthe motor and the seat frame at the extreme limit positions of the seatframe so as to preclude damage to equipment and personnei.

According to the general principles of the present invention, anadjustable seat is mounted on the floor pan of an automotive vehicle andis provided with a seat frame having adjusting units at opposite endsthereof for adjustably actuating the seat frame forwardly and rearwardlyas well as upwardly and downwardly.

Each of the actuating units comprises a trackway rmly secured on thefloor pan of the automotive vehicle upon which is slidably mounted asupport member having an upstanding bracket on the forward end and anopstanding bracket on the rear end thereof.

Depending from the forward and rear brackets is a front link arm and arear link arm, respectively, the seat frame having pivotal attachmentswith the medial portions of each of the respective link arms so as topivotally suspend the seat frame.

A mechanical movement is provided in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention to operatively actuate the suspended seat framebetween adjusted movements. The mechanical movement comprises a pair oftelescoping parts having confronting circumferential surface portionsparticularly characterized by a helical groove and an annular groove inthe respective confronting surfaces, one of the grooves being providedby each respective part. Shiftable means taking the form of balls aresimultaneously received or seated in the grooves and are movable throughthe helical groove to move the parts relatively axially.

A first rotatable sleeve is located between the telescoping parts and isprovided with an aperture or apertures for the shiftable means. One ofthe parts preferably comprises a rotatable stem which is pivotallyvconnected or supported to the seat frame and the other of the partspreferably comprises an annular collar telescoped over the stem. Asecond sleeve member is carried on the stem in co-rotatable assemblytherewith and is also mounted for adjustable axial movement on the stem.

Coupling means are provided between the first sleeve and the secondmentioned sleeve, for example, interengaging tongue and recess means. Anelectric motor is carried on the collar and has an actuating connectionwith the second mentioned sleeve to relatively move the sleeves intocoupling engagement for rotating the rst sleeve with the stem, therebyto limit movement of the shiftable means in the helical groove withoutrestricting movement of the shiftable means in the annular groove.

In operation, as long as the sleeves are engaged, even though the stemis rotated in clockwise or counterclockwise direction, there will be norelative axial movement of the collar with respect to the stem. However,upon control of the motor on the collar, disengagement of the sleeveswill permit movement of the shiftable means through the helical grooveto alord relative axial movement between the telescoping parts.

In the embodiment herein described, three separate pairs ofV telescopingparts are provided through the utilization ot' a single stem with threelongitudinally spaced collars. Each of the collar units is identical inconstruction to one another.

One of the collars is provided with a pivot link which inter-connectsthe collar with the front link arm, thereby to convert relativetranslatory movement of the collar and the stem into pivotal movement ofthe seat frame relative to the front bracket.

A second collar is provided with a pivot link attachment to thestationary floor pan of the vehicle so that relative translatorymovement of the collar and the stem will result in translatorydisplacement of the seat frame relative to the stationary oor pan. Thus,upon controlling the first mentioned collar unit, the seat will beadjusted upwardly and downwardly and upon controlling the secondmentioned collar unit the seat will be adjusted forwardly andrearwardly.

The third collar is pivotally connected to the rear link depending fromthe rear bracket and operates as a compensating means for the adjustmentof the seat frame when the first mentioned collar units are actuated.

According to the principles of the present invention, each of theactuating units includes a gear box which may be supplied with operatingpower by a common electric motor located between the opposite ends ofthe adjustable seat mechanism. The common electric operating motorselectively rotates the stems so that concurrent energization of each ofthe respective actuating motors carried by the collars will permit theshiftable means to move in the helical threads thereby to relativelytranslate the collars and the stems between limit positionscorresponding to the forwardmost and rearwardmost positions of the seatand to the uppermost and lowermost positions of the seat, the partsbeing moved in selected direction in accordance with the rotationaldirection of the stems. The shiftable means are movable in the annulargrooves to eectively idle the driving connections between the movableparts and the electric operating motor and the relative limit positionsof the parts.

It is an object `of the present invention to provide a seat adjustingmechanism for positioning a movable seat selectively between forward andrearward positions and between upper and lower positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedelectrically operated seat adjusting mechamsm.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a seat adjustingmechanism which permits universal adjustment but which does not requirea complicated control system necessitating the use of safety limitswitches and the like.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electricseat adjusting mechanism which will adjust a movable seat betweenextreme positions and which includes a source of power supply which willbe effectively idled at the extreme adjusted positions of the seat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power actuatedseat mechanism which may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly.

Many other features, advantages and additional objects 4 Vwith-*respectto Figure 8.

' description which follows and the accompanying sheets of drawings inwhich a preferred structural embodiment of a seat adjusting mechanism.VVincorporating the principlesY of the present invention istshownV by Vwayof illustrative example. Y

' On the drawings:Y Y i Figure 1 isy a. somewhat diagrammatic plantviewYof a seat adjusting mechanism provided in accordance with the principlesof the present invention;

Figure 2 is a somewhat enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantiallyon. line II-II of. Figure 1 showing details of constructionof one.ofthe. actuatingtunitsy provided: in*v accordanceA withA the; principlesof.: the present invention; j

Figure 3l is a somewhat enlarged-cross-sectional View takensubstantially on line III-III', ofFigure-,Zgi

Figure 4i isV a, somewhat enlarged fragmentary end yiew taken' in. thedirectionof the arrows indicatedL on sectionk IV-p-IV of Figure 2;

. Figure; 5' isan` endV viewV takeniinthedirection of arrows indicatedon section,V.-V. of Figure 2;l

Figure' is an enlarged fragmentary plan ,VieW' ofone of the actuatingunits. provided in accordance with Vthe principles of thepresentinvention;

Figure 7 is' a fragmentary,V crosssectional viewrwithparts broken awayand with parts shownin elevation. taken substantially' ont line' VII-VIIof Figure 6;

Y Figure 8 isa fragmentary cross-sectional View illuStIat ingpalditionallstructural details of .the actuating unit;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional View on a transverse, plane Asshowny ontherdrawings: v

The. disclosure of theA present application is a continua-V tion-in-partof my copending Yapplication entitled Seat Adjusting Mechanism, SerialNo. 273,741, tiled February 27, 1952. In my 'copending applicationSerial No'. 2731,? 741,. there is disclosed thel provision of Ya seatadjusting mechanism particularly suited for use withy aseat hav-y ing amovable frame and adapted to be adjustedY by the Voperator of anautomotive vehicle forwardly and backwardly with respect to. astationary floor-pan forming a part of the automotive vehicle. A

In the present disclosure, a seat adjusting mechanism is Y providedwhich. is particularly suited for use with a seat having amovable .frameadapted to be adjusted by the: operator, of anl automotive vehicleforwardly andV backwardly with respect to a stationary floor panandalso. upwardly and downwardly with respect tothe stationary oor panforming a part of the automotive vehicle.

As is indicatedV in Figures l and 2, a stationary floor pan of anautomotive vehicle is indicated 'generallyby the reference numerall Vandmounts a movable seat frame 1'1V for adjustable movement with respectthereto Identical adjusting unitsV are located at 'opposite-ends of theseat frame ll'and areY indicated generally by the reference numeral`12".VA common electric drive motor- 13 is located intermediate theoppositerends of the seat` frame 1 1 and has oppositely extendingpower.v takeol shz tftsw14,j1'4A which are operatively connectedto eachof the adjusting units 12 in a manner to be described in greater detailhereinafter. Y

It is believed Vthatjadescriptioniof one ofthe actuating units 12 willbe sufficient for the purposesof the present'` disclosure and similarreference'numerals will be appliedV- tothe components of Vboth actuatingunits 12Awherever` practicableVV y A -trackwayi member'l is secured inrm assembly to tlie'stationaryjoor pan 10 and provides a groove ,177`seating'a1plurality of Vshiftabrle elements 18., A movablesup7 portmember19fcomplementally grooved as at 20ride`s.

Yon the shiftable'telements 18v for'forwardand backwardVAmovement'relative'to: the Hoor pan 10. Y Y

VFirmly assembled Vtoy the'supportjmember 19 is a frontv Y 'Y bracket 21having an upstanding portion'ZZ providing'an' overhanging arm 23suitably apertured to establish a pivot axis indicated at 24.

At the rear of the support member 19 and spaced from the front bracket21 is provided a rear bracket 26 having an upstanding portion 27apertured to establish a pivot axis 28.

A front link arm or bracket 29 of generally L-shaped conjiguration ispivotallyattached at one end to the overhanging arm 23by means of a pin30for pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis 24. At the apicalportion of the front linkV arm or bracket 29 is connectedV a pivot pin31 establishing a-pivot axis 32. VAs seen upon referring to Figure 4l inconnection with: Figure 2, a Y

bracket member 33 comprising a sheet form member bent in a generallyU-shaped configuration has spaced leg portions 34 which are recessed asat 36 to engage the seat frame 11 which, in this embodiment takes theform ,of a tube shaped Vto provide a continuous rectangular loop.

The rear endv of the support bracket 33 is recessed Y as -atr37 toreceive the rear'leg of the seat frame 11.

Depending. Vfrom theupstanding portion 27 of the rear bracket 26 is arear link arm 38, a pivot pin 39 being provided toy ator-d pivotalmovement of the rear link arm `38-With respect tothe pivot axis 28.`Spacer means are indicated at 40l between the upstandingv portion 27 andthe link arm 38 to afford clearance.

The Ylinkarm 38 is of generally L-shaped configuration Y and at theapical portion thereof a pivotal attachment isv made to the supportbracket 33, a pivot pin 41 being prosuspended from the Vfront and rearbrackets 21 and 26 and may beadjustedupwardly and downwardly by rotat-Uing the front and rear link arms 29 and 38 about the pivotv axes 24 and28, respectively.

In accordance with the principlesof the present iuvention,y a mechanicalmovement isV provided for each adjusting unit 12 to control theadjustable positioningv of the seat frame 11.

As shown in- Figures l, 4 and 7, each of the power takeoi shafts 14` isoperatively connected to one of the respective mechanical movements at agearbox 46 hous- Ving a rotatable gear 47 meshed with a Worm 48driven bythe power takeoi shaft 14.

Each respective gear box 46is provided with spacedbossportions 49/suitably apertured topass-the pivotpin- 31 for-pivotally supporting thegear box 46 for pivotal movement'relative tothe'pifvot axis 32.

Spacedbearing means indicatedv at 50 and 51 respectively are carried inthey gear box 46 and journal a rotatable stem 52=connectedinco-rotatable-assembly with'the gear 47'. Thel sternv 52 extendsoutwardly of the gear box 46 v generally parallel to the supportVbracket 33.

Three separate collar units indicated generally by the referencecharacters A, B and C are spacedlongitudinally' along the length of thestem 52 and are of identical construction except for certain appendagesto be described and identified in greater detail hereinafter."AccordinglyrVY Y a detailed descriptionl ofonlyrone of the' collarunits will suiiice for allv threeY in regard to the common' componentsthereof and similar reference numerals will be applied jto such commoncomponents wherever'practicable.

In its broadest aspect, each respective collar unit and" tinuous'anuulargrooves'are providedv in one of theV con-l Y frontingvsurfacesonone oftheparts; A concentric Vheli-f1 escasas i cal groove is provided in theother confronting surface on the other of the parts.

In the particular embodiment herein shown, the peripheral surface of thestem 52 is provided with the concentric helical groove indicated at 53.

As is clearly shown in Figures 8 and 9, the collar units A, B and C eachinclude an annular ring 54 providing an internal bore surface having aplurality of axially spaced concentric circumferentially continuousannular grooves 56.

Shiftable means are simultaneously received in the annular grooves 56and in the helical groove 53 and in this embodiment the shiftable meanstakes the form of a plurality of balls 57.

A sleeve 58 comprising a sheet of material rolled into a tubularconguration having an inner diameter corresponding approximately to theouter diameter of the stem 52 is located between the stern 52 and thering 54. Y

The sleeve 58 is provided with a plurality of apertures preferablyarranged as pairs of longitudinally spaced apertures with respectivepairs of apertures being staggered or oifset so as to correspond to thethread lead of the helical thread 53 provided in the stem 52. Each ofthe apertures retains one of the shiftable elements or balls 57.

Upon rotation of the stem 52, the balls 57 will move through the helicalgroove 53 thereby driving the collar ring 54 along a linear path ofdisplacement with respect to the stem 52. In other words, the parts willbe relatively translated.

As is explained in considerable detail in my copending applicationSerial No. 27 3,741, the balls will move through the annular grooves 56and the stem 52 will be rotatably idled with respect to each respectivecollal ring 54 whenever a corresponding sleeve 58 becomes co-rotatablewith the stem 52.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a separateelectric motor is provided for each of the collar units A, B and C toeffect an actuating control of the respective sleeves 58 upon selectiveenergization of the motors whereby the relative translation of thecollar units A, B and C and the stem 52 may be controlled electrically.

Referring particularly to Figure 7, it will be noted that the stern 52is provided with a longitudinally extending groove 60. Adjacent eachcollar unit A, B and C is a sleeve indicated by the reference charactersD, E and F, respectively.

Each of the sleeves D, E and F comprises a generally tubular shapedmember 6l having an inner diameter approximately the same as the outerdiameter of the stem 52 so as to permit axial movement relative to thestem 52. Each sleeve member 61 has a radially inwardly extending tang orkey 62 received in the groove 6i) to make the sleeve members 61co-rotatable with the stem 52 as the sleeve members 61 are axiallypositioned relative to the stem 52.

As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the sleeve members 61 are flanged as at 64and are axially positioned by means of a yoke member 66 securelyfastened by a rivet 67 to the armature 68 of a solenoid motor 69 carriedin firm assembly with each respective collar unit A, B and C by means ofa bracket 70 having fasteners 71 passing therethrough.

The yoke member 66 is provided with slip clip members 72 extendingradially inwardly to slidably cooperate with the radially outwardlyextending ange 64 on each of the sleeve members 61.

As shown in Figure 7, inter-connecting means are provided between eachrespective sleeve member 61 and a corresponding sleeve member S. Theinter-connecting means may conveniently comprise a mating lug and recessindicated at 73 and at 74, respectively. As long as each respectivesleeve 58 and sleeve member 61 is engage-d through the lug and recess 73and 74, even though the stem 52 turns in clockwise direction orcounter-clock wise direction, there will be no relative movement of thecorresponding collar ring 54 and the stem 52. If the sleeve member 6l isdisengaged from the corresponding sleeve member 58, selective rotationof the stem member 52 will result in a relative translation of thecorresponding collar ring 54 in selected direction along the length ofthe stem 52.

By virtue of the provisions made in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, it is possible to have a plurality of collarunits A, B and C on the single stem 52 and through the utilization ofcontrol circuit means including the respective solenoid motors 69 foreach of the collar units A, B and C, the collar units may be selectivelytraversed on the stem 52 singly or in combiuative pairs.

Referring further to Figure 2, it will be noted that a link member 76 isprovided which has one end pivotally connected to the collar unit A bymeans of a pivot pin 77 and the other end is pivotally connected to thelowermost end of the front link arm or bracket 29 by means of a pivotpin 78. Thus, when the collar unit A is advanced on the stem 52 towardthe left as viewed in Figure 2, the link 76 will push the front link armor bracket 29 to effect pivotal displacement thereof around the pivotaxis 24 whereupon the seat frame 11 will be elevated from the full lineposition shown in Figure 2 to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2or to any intermediate position. Movement of the collar unit A on thestem 52 in an opposite direction will lower the seat frame between theextreme limit positions or at any intermediate position.

The collar unit B is provided with a depending boss 80 to which a link81 is pivotally connected at one end by means of a pivot pin S2, theother end of the link 81 being pivotally connected to a bracket 83 bymeans of a pivot pin 84. As is clearly shown in Figure 4, the bracket 83is connected in rm assembly with the oor pan 10 by suitable fasteningmeans indicated at 86.

When collar unit B is translated with respect to the stem 52 toward theright as viewed in Figure 2, the seat frame 11 will be moved from therear full line position of Figure 2 to the forward dotted line positionof Figure 2 thereby to effect forward and rearward adjustment betweenextreme limit positions or any intermediate selected position.

The collar unit C is clamped to the support structure formed by the linkarm 38 and the clamping bar 43, thereby connecting the collar unit C tothe linkage for height adjustment of the seat.

When collar unit C is translated to the left as viewed in Figure 2, thelink arm 3S will be pivotally displaced about the pivot axis 28 and,accordingly, the pivotal axis 42 will travel through an arc describing alocus about the pivot axis 2S, thereby raising the seat frame from thefull line position of Figure 2 to the dotted line position of Figure 2.

The pivotal attachment thus effected between the collar unit C and thesupport bracket 33 and the upstanding portion 27 of the rear bracket 26functions as a compensating means for the adjustment displacement of theseat frame 11 when the collar units A and B are relatively translatedwith respect to the stem 52.

As is indicated diagrammatically in Figure l, a circuit control means S6is provided to eEect selective energization of the motor 13 and of eachof the solenoid motors 69 associated with the respective collar units A,B and C and it will be apparent from the -detailed descriptionhereinabove set forth that selective energization of the various motorunits will eifect selective positioning of the seat frame 11 forwardlyand rearwardly as well as upwardly and downwardly between extreme limitpositions and at any intermediate position.

As is more fully set forth in my copending application acknowledgedabove, limit stops are established by axially,k spaced pins which arecarried by the stem 52 and` aaoaess Y.

which,l cooperate with the sleeves, 58 to idlevr the mech.- c

anifs'mj at theA endV positions. Y Y Although various, minor,modificationsY might. beA suggestedlgby those versed ,in theV art,it1should heunderstoodv thatV Ifwish` torembody within the scope! of thepatent warranted hereon all such modifications,` as reasonably andproperly comey within the scope ofV my contribution VVadjustingrmechanism carryingl said4 seat; frame and having a, pairofVspaced apart' actuating-,units atV opposite ends of, said seatframe,eachunit comprising a stem formingjarotatable innerjpartand apluralityof collars-` onsaid, stem `each t forming an, outer part, ,said v inner,and outer parts eachtproviding a peripheral surface and a bore,Vsurface,- respectively; confronting,V one another, a helical-groove Vinonev offsaid surfaces, on` one ofY said parts, afcircumferentialcontinuous annular groove in the. other of said surfaces, on theother-fof; said, parts,- a ballA simultaneously received in; saidYgrooves, a retainer sleeve'between said surfaces to retain said ball,control Y circuitmeans including a motor on. each collar havingmeans-,further includingra drive motor torotate said stem, Y

fbracketgi a first forward lever arm having one'end pivotally connectedto said forwardL bracketand being-iny termediately pivotally connectedtoY said seat frame, a

rear, lever armV having one end pivotally connected to said;V rearbracket and being intermediately pivotally connested` to said seatframe, a stem pivotally supported at one'end by said seat frame, threecollars on said stem, asecond forward lever arm pivotally connected atone end:l to one of said collars and having the other end Y thereofpivotally connected to the other end Vof'said first forward lever arm, athird forward-'lever arm vpivotally connected :at one end of saidtrackway'and pivotally connected at the other end to a second collarV ofsaid three collars, said rear lever `arm having its other end pivotallyconnected-tothe thirdcollar of said three collars, and means toYselectively axially position said collars on said stem,

whereby movement Vof said second collar relative tosaid stern Vwill movethe seat frame forwardly and rearwardly,

- andmovement of the rst and third collars relative to said stern= willmove the seat frame upwardly and downwardly. 3.V ln combination, a seatframe, andV a seat adjusting mechanism supporting said frame andcomprising, adjust- Y ingV units at opposite ends of said frame,v eachVunit -including a trackway, a Vsupport member slidable on said trackwayand having a'forward bracketand a rear bracket, a 'rst forwardv leverarm having Vone end pivotally con- Y nected to saidv forward-bracket andbeing intermediately pivotally connected to said seat frame, a rearlever'arm having one end pivotally connected to'said rear bracketandibeing intermediately pivotally connected V,to said seatV frame, `a'sternpivotally supported .at one end by said seatrframe, three collarson saidstem, a second forward lever arm pivotally connected at one endtoone of said collars andhaving theV other end thereof pivotally con- YYnectedto, theV other VendV of said first forward lever arm,

a third forward lever arm pivotallyconnected at one end of said'trackwayand pivotally connected at the other end to a. second-'collar of Vsaidthree collars, said rear lever, armhaving its/other, endpivotallyconnected tothe third'collar of Vvsaid Ythree collars, and means1 toselectively axially positionsaid collarson said stem whereby movementofsaidrsecondcollarrelative, to saidstem will move the seat frameforwardly andrearwardly, and movement ofthe iirst, and third lcollars,relative to` said stem. move the seat frame upwardly and downwardly,saidt stem l'and said collars each Yproviding confronting surfacesparticularly, -cliaracterizedvby hav-ing formed therein -a helicalgroove in one surface andan alnnular'groove in v the other surface, aball, simultaneously received in each of said grooves,Y a` sleeveA foreach-.collar between saidm surfaces and retaining, acorrespo'ndingballglmovement, of said yballs and said'h'elicalA groove operating` todrive. c

each; `corresponding collar. axially -witlr respect tol said stem andmeans selectivelyr o onnectingsaid sleevesfo'rY co-rotation with saidstem to limitA movement of.' saidY balls in. saidA helical groovewithout,restricting movement c of'saidballs in said annular,grooves. 4. VIncombinatioma seatframe,and,a ,seat adjustingAv mechanism` supportingsaidframe, and Ycomprising adjustingunits. at opposite ends ofsaidgframe, each unitv including a trackway atsupport member slidable,on said, trackway and havingaf'orward bracketand a rear brackeL,Y alirst forward lever arm having one end pivotally connected. tov sidVforward, bracket andY beingV intermediately pivotally connected .tosaid seatframe, a rear lever arm havingone; end pivotally connected to`said rear bracketA andbeing intermediately pivotally connected. to saidseat frame, a stern pivotally supported'at one end by saidseat l frame,three collalrslon saidistem, a second forwardj lever armpivotallyconnected at one end to one of Vsaid'collars andahavingftheother endthereoflpivotally connected to,V the other endofsaid firstforward'leverv arm, a third fjor- Vwardi lever armpivotally connected'at .one'end' of' saidtracliway and pivotally connected at-the other endto a, second collar of said three-collars, said rear-lever armV havingits other end pivotally. connected to the third.VA

collar of said' three collars, and .means to selectivelyaxially-position said collars on said stem, whereby movementqof'saidsecond collar relative tosaid stem will move4 the seatframe forwardlyand rearwardly, and movementV of the iirst and third collars relative tosaid stem will, move the seat frame upwardly and downwardly, said'stemrand said` collars each providing confronting surfaces particularlycharacterized by having formed therein a helical groove inVone surfaceand anV annular` groove in the other surface, a ball simultaneouslyreceived in each of said, grooves, aA sleeve for each Collar` betweensaid surfaces andV retaining a corresponding ball, movement of saidballs in said helical groove operating to drive each correspondingcollar axially with respect to said stem andA means selectivelyconnectingV said sleeves for co-rotation withsaid stem to limit movementof said balls in said helical groove without restricting movement ofsaid balls` in said annular` grooves said `last mentionedv meanscomprising control circuit means includinga motor i onv each collarhaving an acttuating member operatively engaged with each respectivesleeve,` said controlcircuit Y means further including avrnotor torotate said stem,

Y whereby selective energization of said motors Willsel'ec tivelyaxially position saidlcollars on said stem. Y Y

5. In combination, a seat frame, and meansV to move saidV seat frameupwardly and downwardlyV comprisingVV adjustingunits, at opposite endsof said frame, a mechanical movementj for, each adjusting unit tocontrol the, adjustable positioning ofsaidframe, each unit including, asupport member having-a bracket; a link arm pivotally connected to saidbracket and having a medial lpivot vcornnection with said seat frame', astem' pivotally supported at one end by'saidl seat frame, a collar'onsaidjstem, and a-second linkparm'having-V one end pivotally connected tosaid collar 4and-having its` other endi pivotally conneeted to the otherend of said rst link arm, and vmeans "to" axially position said collaron said stem, thereby to pivgsogese i orally dispiace said seat framefor raising and lowering said seat name.

6. In combination, a seat track having a support member slidableforwardly and rearwardly thereon, a iirst front link member pivotallyattached at one end to and depending from said support member at a rstpivot axis, a seat frame, said front link member having a medial pivotalconnection to said seat frame at a second pivot axis, a stem meanspivotally connected to said seat frame on said second pivot axis andhaving a stem extending rearwardly from said axis, a second front linkmember, a collar on said stem having a pivotal attachment to one end ofsaid second front link member at a third pivot axis, and a pivotalattachment between the other end of said second front link member andthe other end of said first front link member at a fourth pivot axis,and means to move said collar on said stem in selected direction topivot said rst front link member around said rst pivot axis in responseto movement of said second front link member, thereby to raise and lowersaid seat frame.

7. In an adjustable seat mechanism, support means including a stationarysupport frame providing a trackway and a slidable cradle carried on saidtrackway for forward and rearward adjustment, a forward and a rearbracket carried on said support frame in spaced apart relation to oneanother, a forward and a rear link arm pivotally attached to anddepending from each corresponding forward and rear bracket, a seat framepivotally attached to said link arms, and relatively translatableactuating parts carried by said seat frame having an operative drivingconnection with said link arms to pivotally raise and lower said seatframe upon relative translation of said parts.

8. In an adjustable seat mechanism, support means including a stationarysupport frame providing a trackway and a slidable cradle carried on saidtrackway for forward and rearward adjustment, a forward and a rearbracket carried on said support frame in spaced apart relation to oneanother, a forward and a rear link arm pivotally attached to anddepending from each corresponding forward and rear bracket, a seat framepivotally attached to said link arms, and relatively translatableactuating parts carried by said seat frame having an operative drivingconnection with said link arms to pivotally raise and lower said seatframe upon relative translation of said parts, and a separate link armpivotally attached to said stationary support-frame and having anoperative driven connection with said parts to slidably adjust saidcradle on said trackway forwardly and rearwardly.

9. A-seat comprisinga seat frame having adjustment actuating meanscomprising front and rear link arms pivotally connected to said seatframe, a support bracket pivotally attached to said link arms andsuspending said seat frame for pivotal movement, a mechanical movementcarried by said seat frame including a stem having a helical groove inthe peripheral surface thereof, first and second collars on said stemeach providing a plurality of internal annular grooves confronting saidhelical groove, a plurality of balls in each collar simultaneouslyreceived in said annular grooves and said helical groove, a sleeve foreach collar between each collar and said stem and having aperturestherein for said balls, an inter-connecting link arm inter-connectingsaid first collar and said front link arm to pivot said seat frameupwardly and downwardly in response to relative translation of saidfirst collar and said stem, a pivotal connection between said secondcollar and said rear link arm, control circuit means including motormeans having a driving connection with said stem to rotate said stem inselected direction, and separate motor means for each collar, each ofsaid separate motor means having an operative actuating connection witha corresponding sleeve to limit movement of said balls in said helicalgroove without restricting movement of said balls in said annulargrooves.

10. A seat comprising a track, a seat frame movable on said track andhaving adjustment actuating means com prising front and rear link armspivotally connected to said seat frame, a support bracket pivotallyattached tol said link arms and suspending said seat frame for pivotal.vmovement, a mechanical movement carried by said seat Y collar betweeneach collar and said stem and having l,

apertures therein for said balls, an inter-connecting link arminter-connecting said rst collar and said front link arm to pivot saidseat frame upwardly and downwardly in response to relative translationof said rst collar and said stem, a pivotal connection between saidsecond collar and said rear link arm, control circuit means includingmotor means having a driving connection with said stem to rotate saidstem in selected direction, and separate motor means for each collar,each of said separate motor means having an operative actuatingconnection with a corre-` sponding sleeve to limit movement of saidballs in said helical groove without restricting movement of said ballsin said annular grooves, means adapted to inter-connect the supportbracket and said third collar to move said seat frame forwardly andbackwardly upon relative translation of said third collar and said stem.

l1. In a mechanical movement, a pair of telescoping parts havingconfronting circumferential surface portions particularly characterizedby a helical groove and an annular groove in the respective confrontingsurfaces of said parts, a ball simultaneously seated in both of saidgrooves and movable through said helical groove upon relative rotationof said parts to move said parts relatively axially, and a rst rotatablesleeve between said parts having an aperture for said ball, one of saidparts comprising a rotatable stem and the other part comprising anannular collar, a Second sleeve carried on said stem for co-rotationtherewith and for adjustable axial movement thereon, coupling meansbetween said sleeves,

and a motor on said collar having an actuating connection with saidsecond sleeve to relatively move said first and second sleeves intocoupling engagement for rotating said rst sleeve with said stem, therebyto limit movement of said ball in said helical groove withoutrestricting movement thereof in said annular groove.

l2. A mechanical movement comprising coaxial inner and outer relativelyrotatable concentrically disposed parts providing respectively aperipheral surface and a bore surface confronting one another, aconcentric helical groove provided in one of said confronting surfaceson one of said parts, a concentric circumferentially Vcontinuous grooveprovided in one of said confronting surfaces on the other of said parts,a ball simultaneously received in both of said grooves and serving tooperatively inter-connect said parts and moving in said helical grooveupon relative rotation of said parts to elect relative axial movement ofsaid parts in response to such relative rotation, said ball being freeto move in said continuous groove about the axis of said parts, andmeans limiting the movement of said ball in said helical grooveincluding an electric solenoid motor carried on said outer member andhaving an actuating member reciprocable axially with respect to saidparts being selectively and operatively connected to said ball to limitmovement of said ball in said continuous groove upon energization ofsaid solenoid motor, whereby relative axial movement of said parts maybe selectively controlled by relative energization of said solenoidmotor.

13. A mechanical movement comprising coaxial inner and outer relativelyrotatable concentrically disposed parts, there being one inner part in aplurality of axially spaced outer parts, said inner and outer parts eachproviding respectively a peripheral surface and a bore surface 11 forconfrontingone another;V agconcentrc helical groove providedin ione ofieach respective'jpairgofconffontlg surfacesiaconcentric.circninferentially1continucnrsgroove` I providedirt` the other of eachrespective pa-irofcrcm'fi2113i. ingl surfaces, `shiftable means=simultaneously-received irx-Y 5 said' groovesI of eachrespective 'pair`of grooves for rmove'- ment in said groovesY and? servingj to:operatively'*inter*-A connect said inner andouterlparts;retainerjmeansfor` each outer part holding tsaid fshift'able meansbetweerreaclrf couesphonding outer partr and said inner `partto-limitthrc 10 movement'of each respective shiftableerneans-throughjthecorresponding helical: groove` inirecting relative axial movementrofeach pair oflparts; an" electric;actuating motor on each outer paitoperatively-connected toeach corresponding ,retainer means e toicontrol.' relativeaxial 15.

movement .of each outer p art'and said ir'rnerpartasaYV function oftheenergization of "the motor, and a separate motor for relatively rotatingsaid parts, and;controlfmeans for selectively,energizing saidIactuatingunotors concur-V rently with said :separate motortoselectivelyaxially posi- 20 tion said'parts. Y

. 14." In a mechanical movement; a pair` of' telescoping parts havingconfrontingA circumferentialsurface portions particularly characterizedVby .a' helical groove andan annular groove in the respective surfacesof said'parts, a ,25

ballsimultaneously seated in eachgroove andjmovable. through saidhelicalgroove upon relative'rotation orf-'said'l parts'to move said partsrelatively axially, a first rotatable. Y

Vmovement of'said ballgin said helic'aljgrooveawithloutf`restrictingmovement thereofjin said'annular groove; andi.; an electricmotor for rotating said stem in selectedfangu lar direction, wherebyenergization ofjsaid motors will control Vaxial-positioning ofsaidparts.`

Y 15. Ina mechanical'movement of th'e typeinclrdingo inner and outerparts having formed therebetween, a:

concentric helical groove and a concentric :i1"cumf e1"enV tiallyYcontinuous annular grooveawith' dat l'easLone` ballA` simultaneouslyseatedinb'oth grooves, a `cagegmemb'er interposed between said' parts,maintainingg, the` balli' in. 50

predetermined position in. said grooves, Ttheir`nprove; ment1oflockingvmeans ixedwith respect tcxone; offsad; parts andincludingvmeans.tor selectively locksaidlcagm Vmembereither with said inner part orwith .said outer.

and circuit -means Ifor/'selectively controlling the energizVa-g tionof` said motor: Y y o 17; In a seat'adjuster-of the type including'inner-ande onterparts adapted Vto` be connectedfto` and between an'-ad'fustable'seaband a supporttherefore, ,the -parts having*Vformedtherebetweema; concentric'ehelical groove and aconcentric.circumferentially continuous i' annular groove t with at least oneball*simultaneously seated; in; both" grooves and with a; cagemember-interposed' between said parts `to maintain the l-ball1in-predetermined position; the improvement of [locking means xedewithrespect to; one of jsaidj'partsandincluding'*means'Vtogrseleclvely"lockif said cage membereithervvitrtsaidfinner-` partjofA witlr said'v outergparttthereby to selectivelylimit movement-.off the'ball in said'helieal groove" at Vanyselccted`position" along the` 'length' of; saidvv helical groove 1 for effectingadjustment-of Ythe'seat.`

` 18;- Inan-adjustable `seat structure ofthe'type'includingY a seat,v`carriagemeansl supporting-the seat for adjustable, movement; innerand;outer parts connected to `andbetween theseat anda support therefore andhaving formed therebetweenY a concentric helical grooveand'a concentriccircumferentially continuous annu-lar `groove with attleastone ballsimultaneously yseatedjinA both' grooves and with a ycage'memberinterposed between'the parts to maintainA the ball in predeterminedposition; a, two directional'V electric motor connected toone of `theparts, Iand' switch'Y meansl in control ofsaidmotor toenergizevsaidmotor for rotation lin selected direction, the improvementof'v locking-means fxediwithrespectto one ofsaid'part's and. includingmeans to selectively lock said cage member either witlrsaidinner partorrwith said-outer partthereby to selectivelylimitjmovement of itheball'in said helical groove at any nselected position alongthelengthlof'said helical groove for effecting adjustment of'said seat.'

References Cited .in lthefile of `this patent.

' UNITED STATESPATENTS

